The move follows a report published in June 2025 by the Swiss Safety Investigation Service of the Confederation, which identified a systematic risk of wheel failure linked to the use of new composite brake blocks. In response, the Federal Office of Transport has set out new safety requirements for rail freight operations in Switzerland. The measures, developed after consultations with industry operators, are intended to reduce the risks associated with overheating and component damage.
One of the main changes is the increase in the minimum wheel diameter. For certain types used in Switzerland, the threshold has been set at 864 millimetres, higher than the 860 millimetres established at European level. At the same time, more stringent maintenance intervals have been introduced. Freight wagons will have to undergo systematic inspections after 50,000 or 200,000 kilometres, depending on the type of brake block and wheel size, whereas in some cases the previous deadlines were longer. Technical checks will include visual inspections of wheel condition, diameter measurements, identification of any overheating or cracks, and the so-called percussion test to detect anomalies.
The new rules also require the documentation of the most recent inspection for each freight wagon, enabling railway companies to verify compliance before deploying rolling stock on Swiss territory. The Federal Office of Transport also recommends that vehicle owners formally commit to using only new-generation wheels, which are more resistant to overheating and feature a coloured stripe to indicate any previous thermal stress.
The measures also include a stronger focus on staff awareness. Train drivers will need to be instructed on driving practices that minimise overheating and, whenever conditions allow, to carry out a percussion test before departure. The decision applies to all railway companies operating freight services in Switzerland, to vehicle owners and to maintenance bodies based in the country. Implementation of the measures must begin immediately and be completed by 31 December 2025.
